The handling of anticancer drugs in Riyadh and the Eastern Province

Assessment of Educational Intervention Effects on the Level of Oxidative Stress Parameters and Performance in Oncology Staff

Background: Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs causes the production of free radicals and their reaction with macromolecules in the body. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational intervention by using urinary oxidative stress indices of the oncology staff in Iranian hospitals. Methods: Healthy full-time oncology and pharmacy staff (n = 45) participated in this prospective interventional study. The training of the personnel for proper handling of the antineoplastic drugs was given. During their work shift, their performance was recorded in a checklist. Urinary oxidative stress indices of the staff and scores of their performances were obtained before and after their training. Results: The mean performance score of all oncology staff was statistically higher than after 2 months of educational intervention (P < 0.001). The mean activity levels of Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase enzymes of all oncology staff was statistically lower than after 2 months of educational intervention (P < 0.001). The mean level of Malondialdehyde of all oncology staff was statistically lower than after 2 months of educational intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Educational intervention increased oncology staff performance score and it affected the level of the oxidative stress parameters 2 months after the educational intervention by decreasing the activity of enzymes and the level of malondialdehyde.

Assessment of Nurse's Safe Behavior Towards Chemotherapy Management

Introduction

The management of chemotherapy in the hospital environment has been associated with increased risk of exposure to harmful factors. The use of the designated protective area and equipment during the preparation and the administration of chemotherapy is considered the gold standard of prevention.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess nurse's behavior in one public and one private hospital during the management of chemotherapy.

Methods

A cross sectional study design, using a self-completing questionnaire was used to collect the data, the final sample consisted of n=82 nurses, employed in the oncology and haematology department of Limassol general hospital and the bank of Cyprus oncology center.

Results

Most of the sample had a positive attitude towards the management and preparation of chemotherapy and kept the personal protection measures 52,4%. Inadequate aeration system was found to exist in both the health care centers 17,1%. The knowledge levels of the nurses employed in the bank of Cyprus oncology center was found to be statistically higher than the nurses employed in Limassol general hospital (84,4% Vs 23,4%, p<0,001).

Conclusion

Educational programs need to be designed and implement to update nurses with the latest safety techniques and procedures, aiming at the protection of the employees from side effects as a result from the exposure to chemotherapy. The management of the healthcare institution need to ensure that the workplace environment fulfils all the safety standards and health regulations regarding the preparation of chemotherapy. Lastly more studies need to be conducted to monitor the knowledge and attitudes levels, and the implementation of safety and health regulation from the health care organizations regarding the safe management and preparation of chemotherapy.